Draft California 2026 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 5 - Central Valley Region

Water Body Name:	Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)
Water Body ID:	CAR5376001020200903037569
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	160369	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

Pollutant:	Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160369, Alkalinity as CaCO3	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

329612

Pollutant:

Alkalinity as CaCO3

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)

Evaluation Guideline:

The USEPA recommended alkalinity criterion continuous concentration (CCC) for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is a minimum value of 20,000 ug/L (4-day average).

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-16 and 2014-08-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160369, Alkalinity as CaCO3	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

199041

Pollutant:

Alkalinity as CaCO3

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed NWIS data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.

Data Reference:

WQX data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Alkalinity as CaCO3 levels were assessed for the protection of freshwater aquatic life by comparison to the Evaluation Guideline value of 20,000 ug/L (4 day average) (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2009).

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (USGS-374134119205901)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-08-04 and 2015-08-04

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP not requred

QAPP Information Reference(s):

This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160369, Alkalinity as CaCO3	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

198985

Pollutant:

Alkalinity as CaCO3

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

WQX data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Alkalinity as CaCO3 levels were assessed for the protection of freshwater aquatic life by comparison to the Evaluation Guideline value of 20,000 ug/L (4 day average)(National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2009).

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (USGS-374134119205901)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-08-04 and 2015-08-04

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP not requred

QAPP Information Reference(s):

This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.


DECISION ID	160363	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

Pollutant:	Chloride
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Data from previous cycles has been reassessed according to a new assessment method. LOEs have been replaced to reflect this change. Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160363, Chloride	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

345762

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed NWIS data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Chloride. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.

Data Reference:

WQX data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for chloride of 250-500 mg/L assessed as an annual average.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-08-04 and 2015-08-04

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Quality-Assurance Plan for Water Quality Activities of the California Water Science Center

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160363, Chloride	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

329768

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Chloride. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle


DECISION ID	165741	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

Pollutant:	Nitrogen, Nitrate
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165741, Nitrogen, Nitrate	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

329949

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Primary California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Nitrate as N incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 10 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-16 and 2015-08-04

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle


DECISION ID	160364	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

Pollutant:	Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160364, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

330003

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as COLD is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: ADVENTURESCIENTISTS-37.70.119.35 (Merced Peak Fork (Merced River)-37.70.119.35).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-29 and 2021-08-06

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Adventure Scientists 2020 QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Adventure Scientists - Adventure Scientists QAPP - Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* - 402638


DECISION ID	165450	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

Pollutant:	Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165450, Specific Conductivity	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

330278

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 2 samples fall within the range, and 2 of 2 samples fall below the threshold.

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2015-08-04

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165450, Specific Conductivity	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

330239

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: ADVENTURESCIENTISTS-37.70.119.35 (Merced Peak Fork (Merced River)-37.70.119.35).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-08-06 and 2021-08-06

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Adventure Scientists 2020 QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Adventure Scientists - Adventure Scientists QAPP - Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* - 402638


DECISION ID	160366	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

Pollutant:	Sulfates
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available LOE 205627 has been replaced by LOE 345773 due to a reassessment of data.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160366, Sulfates	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

330375

Pollutant:

Sulfates

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Sulfate. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for sulfate of 250-500 mg/L assessed as an annual average.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160366, Sulfates	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

345773

Pollutant:

Sulfates

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed NWIS data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Sulfate. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.

Data Reference:

WQX data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-08-04 and 2015-08-04

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Quality-Assurance Plan for Water Quality Activities of the California Water Science Center

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle


DECISION ID	160367	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

Pollutant:	Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160367, Temperature, water	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

330501

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160367, Temperature, water	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

330458

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: ADVENTURESCIENTISTS-37.70.119.35 (Merced Peak Fork (Merced River)-37.70.119.35).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-29 and 2021-08-06

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Adventure Scientists 2020 QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Adventure Scientists - Adventure Scientists QAPP - Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* - 402638

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160367, Temperature, water	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

206415

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed NWIS data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.

Data Reference:

WQX data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (USGS-374134119205901)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-08-04 and 2015-08-04

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP not requred

QAPP Information Reference(s):

This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.


DECISION ID	160368	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

Pollutant:	Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160368, Total Dissolved Solids	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

345783

Pollutant:

Total Dissolved Solids

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed NWIS data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Total Dissolved Solids. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.

Data Reference:

WQX data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for total dissolved solids of 500-1000 mg/L assessed as an annual average.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-08-04 and 2015-08-04

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Quality-Assurance Plan for Water Quality Activities of the California Water Science Center

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160368, Total Dissolved Solids	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

330576

Pollutant:

Total Dissolved Solids

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Total Dissolved Solids. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle


DECISION ID	160365	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

Pollutant:	pH
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160365, pH	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

330150

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: ADVENTURESCIENTISTS-37.70.119.35 (Merced Peak Fork (Merced River)-37.70.119.35).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-29 and 2021-08-06

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Adventure Scientists 2020 QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Adventure Scientists - Adventure Scientists QAPP - Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* - 402638

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160365, pH	Region 5
Merced Peak Fork (Madera County)

LOE ID:

330074

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for Merced Peak Fork (Madera County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.

Data Reference:

WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-374134119205901 (MERCED PEAK FORK AT FOOTBR NR YOSEMITE VILLAGE CA).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-16 and 2015-08-04

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle